Biking in winter: Waterproof winter shoes put to the test
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We tested these 7 waterproof winter shoes:
(Click to go to the individual rating)
CONTENTS:
The test report
For those who also want to be ambitious in winter, the Lined and waterproof winter shoe the right choice. Compared to summer shoes, which all manufacturers offer in numerous variations and price ranges, the selection of winter shoes is limited.
Seven manufacturers were able to send one model each into the race for our current test. Brands such as Bontrager or Specialized, which used to be involved, no longer offer winter shoes; Sidi did not want to take part in our test with its current model.
Gore-Tex is the most commonly used material
With one exception, all manufacturers use vapour-permeable Gore-Tex membranes between the outer shell and lining. The exception is Vaude, which relies on the recyclable pore material from Sympatex.
All of the cycling shoes tested have all-round edge protection to prevent cuts in the upper material caused by sharp rocks. Additional screw-in studs can be added to some of them for better grip when running off-road.
The models from Fizik and Northwave are equipped with particularly thick teddy fleece. The Fizik shoe has an emphatically sporty look with the lowest shaft, while the 45NRTH shoe with its extra-long neoprene shaft could almost pass for a boot.
Our testers tried out all the shoes intensively and documented their impressions of the fit as well as their experiences in practice. The shoes had to prove their waterproofness and insulation properties under laboratory conditions.
Good news: all winter shoes keep your feet dry and warm
45NRTH and Northwave perform best in terms of waterproofness and insulation - making them a recommendation for cyclists who are particularly sensitive to the cold. Both models also have a particularly high shaft that reliably repels rain and mud splashes.
The models from Gaerne and Scott are significantly less warm. This is not necessarily a disadvantage: On the one hand, the individual perception of cold varies greatly, and on the other hand, during intensive training in highly insulating shoes it can quickly become too warm and therefore damp and consequently cold.
All the testers praised the fit of the Fizik shoe, which is also the easiest to put on and take off. However, there is no advantage without a disadvantage: due to the short shaft, rain and splash water quickly runs into the shoes from above.
Test summary by Stefan Frey BIKE test editor:
Anyone who invests at least 230 euros in a good winter shoe should regularly get on their bike in nasty temperatures. For everyone else, the significantly cheaper overshoes, which are available in many warm and waterproof versions, are probably the better choice.
How BIKE tests cycling shoes
The overall judgement is based on the assessment of the four criteria of waterproofness, handling, features and weight, which are taken into account to varying degrees. We determined the insulation capacity of the shoes using a reproducible method. Heated water inside the shoe cools down over the test period, while the shoe is sprayed with cold water at around zero degrees outside and exposed to the simulated airflow of a fan. The shoe in which the water cools down the slowest warms up the best.
Watertightness (30 %)
The shoes are stuffed with packing paper and paper towels and then exposed to a jet of water for a set period of time. We then document where and how much water penetrates the shoe.
Handling (30 %)
The design and operation of twist fasteners and laces determine how well a shoe can be adjusted during a ride. The design of Velcro fasteners, the tongue or the shape of the heel can make it easier or more difficult to put on and take off. Soles with integrated, soft rubber blocks are safer to walk on than very hard soles.
Equipment (30 %)
The shoes that perform best here are those with twist fasteners that can be finely adjusted in both directions, are equipped with an insole for arch support, allow additional screw studs to be fitted and have sufficient and well-placed reflective material.
Weight (10 %)
The difference in weight between the heaviest (Vaude) and the lightest shoe (Northwave) is half a pound. Lightweight shoes are more comfortable to wear than heavy shoes with the same good fit and generally dry a little faster.
The individual ratings of the winter shoes tested
45NRTH Ragnarök Tall
Unsurprisingly, the winter specialists offer one of the warmest shoes in the comparison. Thanks to its high shaft, the splash protection is also excellent. The wide Velcro strap makes it easier to put on and take off the Ragnarök. The width can also be adjusted very easily while riding. Plenty of reflective material protects
when travelling home on the road. The 45NRTH runs quite small. It is best to try one size larger.
Technical data and rating 45NRTH Ragnarök Tall
Manufacturer information
- Price: 270 Euro
- Weight¹ / Sizes: 1055 g (44) / 36 to 48; 50
Equipment
- Boa-Li2 fastener with tool
- High neoprene shaft with Velcro fastener
- Stollen
- Reflective material
BIKE judgement²: 55 points - very good
Fizik Terra Artica GTX
The Italians have added a Gore-Tex shoe to their range for the first time. The Artica impresses above all with its great fit, but the material's moisture protection is also excellent. However, splash water can easily penetrate the shoe via the low shaft. The fluffy lining keeps your feet pleasantly warm. Unfortunately, the Boa fastener only locks in one direction, which makes adjustment a little more difficult. Lightweight shoe for racers.
Technical data and rating Fizik Terra Artica GTX
Manufacturer information
- Price: 259 Euro
- Weight¹ / Sizes: 910 g (42) / 36 to 48; 37.5 to 46.5
Equipment
- Boa fastener L6 Dial D
- Gore-Tex insole
- Velcro strap
- Dressing aid
- Reflective material
BIKE judgement²: 51 points - very good
Gaerne G.Ice-Storm MTB 1.0
The Gaerne doesn't quite live up to its G.Ice moniker and is more suitable for temperatures above freezing or for heavy sweaters. Typically Gaerne, the shoe is quite small, but is also available in half sizes. The width of the G.Ice can be finely adjusted using the Boa fastener. Splash water can penetrate behind the tongue. The Gaerne is the lightest shoe in the comparison and a good choice for sporty riders.
Technical data and rating Gaerne G.Ice-Storm MTB 1.0
Manufacturer information
- Price: 270 Euro >> available here
- Weight¹ / Sizes: 920 g (44) / 39 to 48
Equipment
- Boa-Li2 fastener
- Velcro strap
- Reflective material
BIKE judgement²: 54 points - very good
Northwave Celsius XCArctic GTX
Northwave has got the hang of winter shoes, and the Celsius XC is no exception. The weather protection is very good thanks to the high gaiter, and the insulation of the Arctic version is also excellent. The twist fastener requires some practice and is not always easy to operate with gloves. A shoehorn helps when getting into the neoprene shaft. Overall, the test winner is rather large and therefore usually fits one size smaller than usual.
Technical data and rating Northwave Celsius XC Arctic GTX
Manufacturer information
- Price: 250 Euro >> available here
- Weight¹ / Sizes: 960 g (44) / 36 to 49; 39.5 to 45.5
Equipment
- Northwave SLW 2 twist lock
- Stollen
- Reflective material
BIKE judgement²: 56 points - great
Scott MTB Heater Gore-Tex
With a combination of Velcro and zip fasteners, the Heater offers solid splash protection. This conceals the actual lacing of the boot, which allows the width to be adjusted easily, but is a little fiddly to use. The insulation is less than expected, making the Scott more suitable for mild winter days. The toe box offers a relatively large amount of space, so you can still wear the shoe well with thick socks, or you can choose a size smaller.
Technical data and rating Scott MTB Heater Gore-Tex
Manufacturer information
- Price: 230 Euro >> available here
- Weight¹ / Sizes: 1085 g (44) / 38 to 48
Equipment
- Shoelaces
- Splash guard with zip
- Ergo insole
- Reflective material
BIKE judgement²: 48 points - good
Shimano SH-MW 701
The winter classic from Shimano is one of the most comfortable candidates in the test. Its insole supports the arch of the foot. The SH-MW701 is easy to put on and take off. Its Boa fastener allows you to adjust the width even while riding. The Michelin sole offers good off-road grip, the shoe is generally well protected against splash water and is also sufficiently insulated for cold days.
Technical data and rating Shimano SH-MW 701
Manufacturer information
- Price: 230 Euro
- Weight¹ / Sizes: 1030 g (44) / 38 to 48
Equipment
- Boa fastener L6 Dial D
- Splash guard with Velcro strap
- Ergo insole
- Reflective material
BIKE judgement²: 52 points - very good
Vaude Minaki Mid STX II
Vaude's Minaki Mid STX II is the warmest shoe in this comparison. With its chunky tread sole, you are also well equipped on foot. Thanks to the cleat cover, the Minaki can also be ridden with platform pedals. The twist lock is positioned somewhat unfavourably under the cover, making it impossible to adjust the shoe while riding. Overall, the shoe is small and narrow, the rain and splash protection is good, but not perfect.
Technical data and rating Vaude Minaki Mid STX II
Manufacturer information
- Price: 230 Euro >> available here
- Weight¹ / Sizes: 1200 g (44) / 37 to 47
Equipment
- Boa fastener L6
- Splash guard with Velcro fastener
- Reflective material
BIKE judgement²: 48 points - good
¹ BIKE measurement
² BIKE judgement: > 55 super, > 50 very good, >45 good.
Stefan Frey
Editor
